Western Standard publisher Ezra Levant notes in a Calgary Sun column today that the Conservative plan to ban light bulbs is "all baloney".

The Conservatives, says Levant are "alienating conservative voters who know it, too. And the environmentalists and rock stars who pretend to believe it will never vote for them anyway."

Columnist Lorne Gunter adds in today's National Post: "To understand just how deeply the Tories (I hesitate any longer to call them Conservatives) have drunk of the Green Kool-Aid, consider that their green plan, released last week, will cost Canadians as much as $8-billion a year in tax-funded spending, higher prices, pollution fines and reduced economic activity."

And finally here's what Professor Barry Cooper from the University of Calgary wrote in the Maclean's 50 comment section: "In his recent op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen, Environment Minister John Baird sounded more like David Anderson or even David Suzuki than a Conservative Minister of the Crown who - at least in principle - is connected to common sense."

I'll say it again, I hope the Prime Minister and his team are listening.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

My column in yesterday's National Post on the Conservative Party selling out its principles triggered quite a response

Here's a sampling of some comments I received:

"I couldn't agree more. They (the Conservatives) have really gone off the rails in recent weeks, to the point that I am considering sitting out the next election ( and I am someone who used to take a very active part in the political process to the point of being on a riding executive board ). I hope a lot more people speak up about this. Maybe Mr. Harper and company will get the message before it's too late."

***

"The Conservative Party of Canada appears to have become just a bunch of socialists without the corruption."

***

"I am greatly appreciating your efforts!"

***

"The Liberals are now far more pro-business than Harper is.I voted and contributed to the CONservatives [emphasis on CON].NEVER AGAIN!!!! I'M DEDICATED TO THROWING THEM OUT."

***

"I don't get it and feel, as you do, that there is little to no difference between the crooks we had out last time, and the new generation of crooks we're breeding at the moment."

***

"Your column is right on the money. I have been a supporter of the Reform, Alliance and Conservative parties, financially and otherwise. But I can't support a party that wants to tell me what kind of light bulbs to use in my home."

***

"I enjoyed your article 'Selling out true conservatism'. All I can say is it’s about time somebody comes out and says it. This conservative government seems no different to me then the liberal governments I have known my whole life."

***

"I too am one of those who wonder how far the party will wander from principles in an efort to hold on to/gain power.. I keep hoping that it will shift back if it has a majority.. but grow less confident of that every day.."

***

"Thanks for putting into words what I have been feeling lately. I must also be one of the principled conservatives because I am thinking Harper and the crew are starting to turn into Chretien and the crew."

***

"Excellent commentary in today’s NP. It contained the same message I gave to my MP after the last budget. He seemed surprised that I wasn’t pleased with all the government announcements and even more surprised when I said 'please, don’t do me any favours'. The fiscally conservative (small c) has no representation and no alternative."

***

"Bang on, Gerry! Very well said."

***

"Thank you for confirming that I am not alone in my disappointment with the new Conservatives. . . We need more writers like you to wake up the boys in policy that there is a great hunger to redress the imbalance that has our country close to total nannyism. Good on you."

***

"Although I understand your conservative principles, I don't think you're being realistic . . .I think that most Conservative Canadians are very happy with Mr. Harper at the helm and want it to stay that way. I'm one of them and I don't think I'm deluded. I'm a realist."

***

"Excellent..... Your division of a conservative party has an universal appeal."

***

"AMEN! Once again, just like 15 years ago, I have a feeling I have no political home. Where do we go this time? Do we have to start another “reform” movement?"

***

"For someone like yourself to be writing negatively about Harper is just what the Libranos love to read and quote and it really hurts to give them any comfort. You have to undersatand that NOTHING Harper could do would be worse than another run of Liberal rule."

***

"Just don't start another Reform wing! Harper needs to get rid of Flaherty and replace him with a visionary, but he also needs that elusive majority. He's walking a tightrope fairly successfully, but there's something about him that causes Canadians to pull back (or am I just listening to the CBC too much?)"

***

"Terrific piece that hit the bull's-eye on why Harper's government will end up failing . . .if you ever launch the 'Principled Conservative Party of Canada' you can count on my support."

***

"How did this happen? It's almost like Stephen was kidnapped by Chretien and has been brainwashed. He now appears to be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome."

Writes Taylor: "So, the government has decided to ban light bulbs to appease the growing hysteria that, some might say, stems from the left-wing need for global social and economic reconfiguration. Granted, the ban will have a measured benefit in the short term. But, for reasons I've outlined above, it is best for the consumer to make such a decision because the market has shown a great talent for addressing consumer needs, whatever they may be."

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

We are all supposed to turn off our TV sets and computers and enjoy the real world!

Yuck.

Anyway according to the chronic do-gooders behind this program, TV is bad because:

*"On average, children in the US will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours)". -- They say that like it's a bad thing.

* "Forty percent of Americans frequently or always watch television during dinner." -- What we really need are TVs in the washroom.

* As US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher said at the Kick Off of TV-Turnoff Week 2001, "We are raising the most overweight generation of youngsters in American history...This week is about saving lives." --- Hmm, that's right kids stop watching TV and go out and play in the traffic.

But seriously this anti-TV campaign is a swell idea.

And I would defintitely take part, but I just have to find out if Lilly will forgive Daniel for his porn addiction on the Young and the Restless!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

The Ottawa Citizen has an indepth piece today which speculates on what a Harper majority government would be like.

The article notes:

In his first 15 months as prime minister, Mr. Harper has governed more like a cautious centrist: rolling out a big-spending budget aimed at middle-income families, reaching out to moderate Red Tories in his caucus, and appealing to "soft" nationalists in Quebec. The difference has been so stark, in fact, that former right-wing allies are accusing him of selling out to the political left.

I guess I am one of the former "right-wing allies" because the writer quotes me quite a bit in the article.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

A few weeks ago, the media was suggesting he was almost a sure bet to win a majority government.

Now, after a few polls show his political star isn't rising as fast as anticipated, the Toronto Star is openly musing about Harper's possible successors.

That's a bit premature.

But what the heck, if somebody were to ask me who should replace Harper, I'd say Industry Minister MaximeBernier.

Bernier has done a great job in cabinet and more importantly, he is a true blue conservative.

And one of my female friends once described Bernier as "handsome, tall and charming and well-dressed," and added she was "tired of being governed by ugly people! Bring back the JFKs! Bring back the John Turners! Bring back the Bibi Netanyahus!"

"When the GOVERNMENT spends money, it creates jobs; whereas when the money is left in the hands of TAXPAYERS, God only knows what they do with it. Bake it into pies, probably. Anything to avoid creating jobs." -- Dave Barry

Anyway, Leatherdale notes that Progressive Conservative leader John Tory seems ready to decree former Liberal MPP Tim Peterson will be his candidate in the riding of Mississauga South.

And no there will be no nomination fight. The riding will apparently be handed to Peterson on a silver platter.

Leatherdale writes: "what's not fair is how three quality candidates are being shut out of the nomination process in Mississauga South after spending money, pounding the pavement and lining PC coffers by selling memberships. One, Effie Triantafilopoulos, who insiders say had Tory's blessings to run in the riding, even quit her job as CEO of Save the Children Canada. "

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

About a week ago, I had a column in the Toronto Star suggesting the left-leaning Liberals needed to adopt a more fiscal conservative stance if they were to have any hope of forming the next government.

Well lo and behold today's Globe and Mail reports, "In a change of tactics that marks a rethinking of Liberal political strategy, Stéphane Dion set up shop on Bay Street yesterday to accuse the Conservative government of handicapping Canadian business and making the country's corporations vulnerable to foreign takeovers."

OK Stephane, that first bit of advice was a freebie, but from now on I'm charging for my consulting services.

Well, it's a society which exists to "promote and deepen understanding through the exchange of a wide range of political and economic, social, religious, cultural and philosophical ideas concerning the principles and traditions of a free and ordered society."

In other words, it provides a venue where conservatives of all stripes can meet to discuss issues , to argue and to socialize.

And one of the best things about it, is that you get to meet fellow conservatives/libertarians face-to-face.

The National Citizens Coalition discusses my termination on their blog, here are some of the posted comments:

* "I really admired Gerry and his honesty and integrity. I have to be honest; this makes me very nervous. We need a strong independent voice to fight for the citizens against the excesses of big government. With the conservatives so obviously now leading that charge with the Liberals and the NDP and even the Greens following now we need that independent voice even more. I’m questioning now if I should have recently joined the NCC."

* "The recent treatment of Gerry Nichols is a disgrace. To publically humiliate a fine man like him who has been the face of NCC , and done so much to advance the cause of NCC is totally lacking in hunan decency and good judgment. I hope he gets a good lawyer. He deserves the best."

* "The most cogent explanation of who you are or were with gerry Nichols was in the Toronto Star this morning where he writes about the failed dream of us Conservatives as we see Mr. Harper’s lack of action on our issues. Too bad that wasn’t done in previous months and years. Your exposure level needs a bit of a kick start."

Friday, April 06, 2007

If I've learned anything in the last couple of days, it's the importance of friendship.

Since my departure from the National Citizens Coalition, I have received an avalanche of calls and emails from so many friends and colleagues offering kind words of encouragement and support, that I can't even be properly depressed!!

I am so grateful to all of you for your warm wishes. It means a lot.

Here's a sampling of some comments:

* "I’m sure you won’t be unemployed for long. With those rugged good looks…"

* "I have no doubt that whatever you choose to do next, it will be done with the same ass-kicking passion for liberty that has clearly driven your career."

* "The NCC is losing their best star!”

* "

It's hard for me to imagine the National Citizens Coalition without you.”

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Andrew Coyne is one of Canada's brightest and most perceptive political commentators.

And it's rare that I disagree with him.

But one of those rare occasions occurred yesterday, when I read a posting on his blog in which he complains about the Conservative Party's anti-Liberal attack ads, which he calls "manipulative, inflammatory and tendentious."

Now I happen to think so-called "attack ads" are a legitimate weapon in any political party's arsenal.

So I posted this comment on his blog: "Memo to AC: Politics is a bloodsport, it's about time the Tories started fighting fire with fire."

In a posting today, Coyne replies: "Oh, but I forgot . . . .`politics is a bloodsport,' and this sort of thing just goes with the territory. Fair enough, I suppose: but doesn't anybody want to change politics any more?"

Now I am not sure what Coyne means by this.

Change it how exactly? By banning tough and hard hitting ads?

That would infringe on free expression.

By one side unilaterally declaring it won't use "negative ads"?

The Tories tried that "taking a knife to a gunfight" approach in the 2004 election and they lost out to the Liberals who had no compulsion about employing "manipulative, inflammatory and tendentious" ads.

The fact is, "negative ads", if used properly, work.

And there is nothing wrong morally with using them.

Democracy, by its very nature, is a messy, rough and tumble business --- it always has been and, I suspect, it always will be.

About Me

Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant and writer who has been called a “political warrior” a “brilliant strategist” and one of the “canniest political observers in Canada.”
He has worked as a consultant in both the United States and Canada and was formerly a senior officer in the National Citizens Coalition.
A regular columnist with the Ottawa Hill Times, his work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail, the National Post and in the Sun Media chain; and he has appeared on countless TV and radio public affairs programs. He is the author of the book, Loyal to the Core, Harper, Me and the NCC.

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Reviews for Loyal to the Core

“Loyal to the Core is a daring and provocative work. It deserves to be read by conservative activists and politicos.” – Western Standard

“This is a very important book.” -- Michael Coren, TV host

“A fascinating read” --- Seamus O'Regan, Canada AM

“I really enjoyed Loyal to the Core. It’s a great book”, - Charles Adler, radio host.

"Loyal to the Core should be required reading for anyone considering or starting a career at a conservative think tank or in electoral politics in general …Consider Loyal to the Core a cautionary tale that’s also a funny, easy read – with a few highly “stealable” ideas for media campaigns thrown in for good measure.”- Kathy Shaidle, author Tyranny of Nice

“Every Canadian remotely interested in politics and the state of the country should have a read of Loyal to the Core. – blogger Wendy Sullivan

"It’s rare to find a politico, however, who is equally passionate about policy and strategy, but columnist, pundit, author and Western Standard blogger Gerry Nicholls is such a person." Matthew Johnson, owner Western Standard

"If you are a conservative who wonders how conservatives can communicate their message in a hostile media climate, Loyal to the Core is a must read." -- At Home in Hespeler